The IAFNS Cognitive Health Committee mobilizes members from government, industry and academia to drive, fund and lead actionable science in support of public health.
The Cognitive Health Committee explores how dietary patterns, foods, nutrients and bioactive food components support optimization and maintenance of cognitive performance and mood- and emotion-related outcomes.
With a focus on health promotion, the Cognitive Health Committee advances translational nutrition research—prioritizing real-world cognitive health outcomes with meaningful impacts on quality of life across the lifespan.

Support Dietary Guidance
Build the evidence required to fill data gaps in support of dietary recommendations or guidance related to how diet and nutrition can promote optimized cognitive health.
Nourish the Mind: An Umbrella Review of Nutrients Supporting Brain Health Across the Lifespan
Nutrition Meets Neuroscience Mapping Nutrition for a Healthier Brain Cognitive decline has become more a more prominent health concern in the US and globally, in […]
Translation of Nutrition & Cognitive Health Science: Understanding Stakeholder Strategies, Challenges and Needs
Turning Data Into Understanding Translating Nutrition and Brain Health Science for the Public It is clear through qualitative investigation that there is an opportunity to […]
Guidance for Reporting of Test Parameters in Nutrition and Cognition Research
Clear Methods, Stronger Evidence Strengthening Reporting Standards in Nutrition and Cognition Research In many publications focused on the effects of nutrition on cognitive performance, reporting […]
Nourish the Mind: Protocol for an Umbrella Review on Nutrients and Bioactive Food Components Supporting Brain Health Across the Lifespan
Systematic Reviews, 2026
Brain health is the state of optimal brain functioning across cognitive, sensory, social-emotional, behavioral, and motor domains, supporting individuals to achieve their full potential at every stage of life. Diet is a modifiable factor that plays a fundamental role in supporting brain health.
Diet and the Developing Brain: A Systematic Review of Nutritional Influences on Adolescent Cognitive and Academic Outcomes
Advances in Nutrition, 2026
Adolescence is a critical period of neurodevelopment, yet the role of nutrition in shaping cognitive and academic outcomes during this stage remains underexplored. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from 48 controlled trials and 25 prospective studies.
IAFNS at Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo
October 24, 2026 – October 27, 2026
San Antonio, Texas
In this IAFNS session at FNCE in San Antonio, experts will discuss a possible consensus operational definition, the objective measurement, and use of evidence-based nutritional interventions for the treatment of ‘brain fog.’
Read more about IAFNS at Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo
Clarifying ‘Brain Fog’: Definitions and Mechanisms to Guide Development of Nutrition Interventions
June 15, 2026
Virtual, Event
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the term ‘brain fog’ has been increasingly used across the medical, research, and consumer spheres to refer to sequalae related to neurological, psychiatric, and hormonal conditions. Nutrition is also referenced as a potential mitigating factor. This invitation-only event focused on developing the construct of ‘brain fog’ for further use.

